John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity Program Kicks Off 2017 Fundraising Drive
Lexus of the Quad Cities to Provide 2017 Lexus NX to a Lucky Winner
The John Deere Classic’s Birdies for Charity program on Monday officially kicked off its annual drive at John Deere World Headquarters to help raise donations for some 500 area charities.
“We are very excited to kick off the annual John Deere Classic charity miracle in which the PGA TOUR’s smallest market consistently produces one of the largest charity totals among the PGA TOUR’s 47 tournaments,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson.
Last year, the John Deere Classic helped raise a record $10.5 million for charity, ranking it among the top four tournaments in charitable donations on the Tour.
The Birdies program consists of individual charity pledges based on the number of birdies recorded in the tournament as well as lump sum donations to specific charities.
In addition, there is a Bonus Fund consisting of tournament profits as well as a $325,000 matching donation from the John Deere Foundation. The Bonus Fund is distributed proportionately to each charity, with a minimum five percent guarantee. For the last four years, the Bonus Fund has provided at 10 percent bonus.
In addition, John Deere underwrites all administrative expenses for the Birdies program, making it possible for 100 percent of every donation – plus the bonus - to go to the designated charity.
“The John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity Program continues to be an extremely powerful and cost-effective way for tournament area non-profit organizations to maximize their fundraising efforts," said Kristy Ketcham Jackson, director of the Birdies program. "
As an incentive to attract charity donations, Lexus of the Quad Cities again has generously agreed to provide a free two-year lease of a 2017 Lexus NX to a donor who correctly guesses the exact number of birdies recorded at this year’s John Deere Classic, July 10-16, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.
Lexus of the Quad Cities also will continue to furnish courtesy cars to John Deere Classic contestants during the week of the tournament.
“We are pleased to have Lexus of the Quad Cities return as our automotive partner again this year,” Peterson said. “By offering a two-year lease of a 2017 Lexus NX to one person who guesses the exact number of birdies, Lexus of the Quad Cities is providing a tremendous incentive for people to donate through the Birdies for Charity program. And we know the pros are going to love driving a Lexus during tournament week.”
Following the news conference, charity representatives picked up fundraising materials at the John Deere Headquarters display floor. Materials also will be available at other locations in and around the Quad Cities. Pledge Card Pickup details can be found at www.birdiesforcharity.com.
In 2016, the tournament's 17th year at TPC Deere Run, 1,982 birdies were recorded during the four-day tournament and the Wednesday pro-am, meaning that a donor who pledged one cent per birdie to a charity would contribute $19.82. Many individuals and businesses donate to more than one charity, or donate larger lump-sum amounts as a charity Partner.